Netherlands: Several policemen injured as rival Eritrean groups clash in The Hague

Rival groups of Eritreans engaged in skirmishes in The Hague early on Sunday, setting fire to police cars and hurling rocks, inflicting injuries to at least four police officers.

The rioters, who the police claimed were pro- and anti-Eritrean government groups attending a meeting in The Hague, were attacked with tear gas shells by special police units.

“During the riots, stones, fireworks, and other items were thrown at police officers and the fire brigade. Several rioters had weapons to hit people with. Out of nowhere, our colleagues were confronted with very intense and serious violence,” police commander Marielle van Vulpen told the media.

As they investigate the rioting, police made a number of arrests and requested witnesses and video.

“The violence used against police officers and equipment is appalling and unacceptable,” said the city’s mayor Jan van Zanen.

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Anti-immigration far-right leader Geert Wilders posted social media images of the riots with a caption in capital letters: “Arrest and Deport”.

He then wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “The Netherlands has really had it up to here with this.”

“Why is half the world allowed to come here to tear down our country, fight amongst themselves, throw stones at the police and set their cars on fire?”

“I want to become the prime minister who finally brings some order to this,” added Wilders, who won elections in November but is struggling to form a coalition government.

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Authorities in the Netherlands estimate that there are about 25,000 Eritreans residing in the country.

There have been past conflicts between pro- and anti-government factions, exemplified by the stabbing deaths of multiple individuals in front of an event commemorating Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopia last year.

(With agency inputs)